Call For Edu’s Reinstatement A Misplaced Priority – Coalition replies Ogbeche,By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Arewa awareness on Good Governance has called on the Senior legislative aide to Rt, Honourable Abbaa Tajudden speaker of House of Representative Federal Republic of Nigeria,to stop calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reinstall suspended Humanitarian minister Dr,Betta Edu back to her former position.
In a Press statement signed and made available to newsmen by the spoke man of the group Grema lbrahim Musa, explained that,
“We write in response to one Honourable. Cecelia Ogbeche Odok, Senior Legislative Aide,to the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Honourable. Abbas Tajudeen calling on President Bola Ahmed to recall Dr. Betta Edu as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, despite her suspension over serious fraud allegations.
“The suspension is a necessary step towards investigating the allegations against Dr. Edu. Allowing due process to unfold is crucial, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. This decision demonstrates President Tinubu’s commitment to combating corruption and upholding the rule of law.
The statement added that Dr. Edu, like all citizens, is not above the law. She must face the consequences of her actions, just as others have for similar offenses.
The allegations against her warrant thorough investigation, and her suspension prevents potential interference or obstruction.Ignoring these allegations would undermine Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and erode public trust.
“Hon. Ogbeche Odok’s emotional appeal overlooks the gravity of the allegations and undermines the President’s efforts to combat corruption. We must prioritize accountability, transparency, and institutional integrity. The Minister’s suspension is not a political vendetta but a necessary measure to ensure justice and protect Nigeria’s resources.
“The question that every Nigerian must ask at this critical time is, if Ms Halima Shehu, the National Coordinator and CEO of the National Social Investment Program Agency could not be recalled, over alleged financial malfeasance, why then must Edu be reinstated?
The statement maintained that “Betta Edu, while serving as minister of humanitarian affairs and poverty alleviation, in her corrupt practices also approved funds for flight tickets and airport taxis for the ministry’s staff to Kogi — a state with no airport. Is this the humanitarian that Nigerians need at this critical time?
“The Arewa Awareness on Good Governance wish to categorically state that, peradventure president Bola Ahmed Tinubu falls for this emotional appeal, we will be left with no option than to support a pro-people government, come 2027.
“What this means is that the president has betrayed our trust following the promise given to Nigeria s that he will rid the country of corrupt practices and run a people’s centred government. We will also be left with no option than to stage a nationwide protests, picketing the various government agencies in Northern Nigeria.
Recalling Dr. Edu without resolving these allegations would have far-reaching consequences “It would undermine the President’s authority and credibility, creating uncertainty and weakening the government’s anti-corruption stance.
“It would create uncertainty in the Ministry, hindering its critical work and impacting vulnerable populations.also would damage Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts and international reputation, discouraging foreign investment and undermining national progress.
We urge Hon. Ogbeche Odok and others to Respect the President’s decision-making process. This means acknowledging President Tinubu’s authority to suspend Dr. Edu pending investigation, trusting his judgment, and allowing due process to unfold without interference.
“Support thorough investigation and accountability. This involves backing the investigation into Dr. Edu’s alleged fraud and ensuring those responsible are held accountable, promoting transparency and fairness in governance.
He opined that Prioritize Nigeria’s progress over individual interests. This calls on Hon. Ogbeche Odok and others to put Nigeria’s well-being above personal relationships or loyalty to Dr. Edu, prioritizing the nation’s integrity and progress.
